As reported byVariety, SAG-AFTRA Foundation president Courtney B. Vance recently announced that the organization had raised over $15 million for its emergency assistance program, largely thanks to contributions from over a dozen high-earning Hollywood stars many of whom donated $1 million or more to the nonprofit.
In a statement, Vance said, “The entertainment industry is in crisis and the SAG-AFTRA Foundationis currently processing more than 30 times our usual number of applications for emergency aid. We received 400 applications in the last week alone.”
The message continued, “It’s a massive challenge, but we’re determined to meet this moment.”
Just last week, the outlet shared anexclusive report, revealing thatDwayne Johnsonhad provided a “historic” seven figure donation to the organization. At time, Vance spoke to Variety about Johnson’s contribution saying, “It was a love fest. It’s like, ‘Man, you’re stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it.”
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation president added, “This is him saying, ‘In such a time as this, I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere, whatever you need me to do.’ And that sends a huge message to other folks to do the same thing.”
In addition to theFast Xstar, other A-listers likeGeorge Clooney, Luciana and Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, Julia Roberts, Arnold Schwarzenegger,Meryl Streep, and Oprah Winfrey have all donated $1 million or more to the organization.
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Courtney B. Vance Said “The Response To Help Their Fellow Performers Has Been Incredible, Immediate and Heartwarming”
In regard to the stars contributions, Vance said, “I appealed to our community to remember how tough it was coming up, and the response to help their fellow performers has been incredible, immediate and heartwarming.”
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation president offered addition praise to Johnson, noting that theBlack Adamstar “helped kick-start this campaign.”
Vance also complimented Streep and Clooney, stating that the pair “stepped up with $1 million donations, emails, and many calls-to-action rallying others to give generously.”
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation president went on to say that as a result of everyone’s efforts, “We’ve crushed our initial goal because our people are coming together, but we still aren’t done. Our fundraising will continue to meet the overwhelming needs of our community now and in the future.”
Streep and Clooney also gave statements as well.
The Devil Wears Pradastar said, “I remember my days as a waiter, cleaner, typist, even my time on the unemployment line. In this strike action, I am lucky to be able to support those who will struggle in a long action to sustain against Goliath.”
Streep continued, “We will stand strong together against these powerful corporations who are bent on taking the humanity, the human dignity, even the human out of our profession. I am proudest of my fellow actors who have immediately offered to fund the Emergency Financial Assistance Program.”
Clooney’s statement said, “We stand ready to get back to the table and make a fair deal with the AMPTP. Until then, I’m proud to be able to support the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and my fellow actors who may be struggling in this historic moment. We’ve stood on the shoulders of the likes of Bette Davis and Jimmy Cagney and it’s time for our generation to give something back. I can’t thank Courtney enough for his determination in putting this effort together by shedding light on the human toll happening right now, and how we can work together to alleviate some of the pain and suffering.”
